Refinement of '2022' among goals for new year

Sturgis residents can expect to hear more in 2013 about what the city plans to do about its “Sturgis 2022” goals.

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By Terry Katzkatz@sturgisjournal.com

Sturgis Journal - Sturgis, MI

By Terry Katzkatz@sturgisjournal.com

Posted Dec. 26, 2012 at 7:00 AM

By Terry Katzkatz@sturgisjournal.com

Posted Dec. 26, 2012 at 7:00 AM

Sturgis

City goals

Official city goals for “Sturgis 2022”

“Sturgis: A Great Place to Do Business”:

Sturgis will be a leader in the region in creating quality jobs through bus...

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City goals

Official city goals for “Sturgis 2022”

“Sturgis: A Great Place to Do Business”:

Sturgis will be a leader in the region in creating quality jobs through business expansion and attraction.

Sturgis will be a premier community for entrepreneurs.

Sturgis will be the primary commerce center for the area.

Sturgis will have a highly-skilled workforce with a majority of citizens who have post high school degrees or training.

“Sturgis: A Community of Choice”:

Sturgis will be a preferred place for families to raise their children.

Sturgis will have one of the best street systems in Michigan.

Sturgis will have a vibrant and active downtown that is the centerpiece of the community.

Sturgis will have the desired location in the area for people seeking quality housing and neighborhoods.

Sturgis will be an attractive community for retirees and seniors.

Source: City of Sturgis

Sturgis residents can expect to hear more in 2013 about what the city plans to do about its “Sturgis 2022” goals.

City manager Michael Hughes said it’s time for action.

The long process of developing goals to help improve the community over the next 10 years started in early 2012.

Once a set of focus areas was developed, commissioners and city officials spent hours over the summer gathering feedback.

They talked to residents, attended service club meetings and used the news media and social media to share their ideas.

Although commissioners didn’t get as much feedback from the survey as they wanted, there was enough to get started.

At a city commission meeting Dec. 19, commissioners took a step forward into 2013 by rearranging the goals into two focus areas.

Commissioners have committed themselves to goals for “A Great Place to do Business” and “A Community of Choice.”

The city plans to hold an open house in February for people and organizations interested in helping with the 2022 goals.

One committee that helped promote the idea of entrepreneurism this year was the business idea contest. Promoted by a “Generate Sturgis” committee, the business idea program did create conversation. Hughes said there will

be more business idea buzz in 2013.

Hughes is nearing his eighth year as Sturgis city manager.

From his viewpoint on Sturgis 2022, he wants to define what means success in Sturgis.

He said one thing he has learned is “time goes by quickly. That’s why focusing on the future is so important. When I came here, roads were a big issue and roads still are.”

Hughes said the city is looking at two road projects to begin in 2013. South Street from North Nottawa to South Lakeview Avenue is on the list. There has been no word on a grant for brick work on South Nottawa Street from Chicago Street to Congress, but the city is hopeful, Hughes said.

Mayor Ken Malone said the Sturgis 2022 goals are impressive. He said it took a lot of time and energy to get this far. As mayor, he looks forward to leading the charge in 2013 toward making Sturgis 2022 a community plan that gets everyone involved.